What is the EB-5 and why it matters

The EB-5 is the only U.S. visa category based exclusively on direct investment. Created by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the program aims to stimulate the United States economy through foreign capital and job creation.

In return for the qualifying investment, the applicant and their immediate dependents gain access to permanent residence in the United States — the green card — without the need for a job offer, sponsorship, or specific professional qualifications.

For those seeking U.S. residency with a focus on capital and family legacy, the EB-5 is one of the most direct routes available.

Main requirements: investment and job creation

The EB-5 requires a minimum investment in a new or expanding commercial enterprise in the United States. The amounts vary depending on the location and type of project:

• $1,050,000 in standard urban areas
• $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) — regions with high unemployment or rural areas

In addition to the financial investment, the project must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers — a central requirement for process approval.

Direct projects vs. structured group models

There are two main ways to structure an EB-5 investment, and the choice between them depends on the investor’s profile and objectives:

Direct Investment

The investor places capital directly into a business they control or co-manage. It requires active involvement and responsibility for the enterprise’s decisions. Suitable for investors with business experience and an interest in operating a business in the U.S.

Regional Center (Structured Group Model)

The investor places capital in a project managed by a Regional Center — a USCIS-authorized structure. The investor’s role is passive, with no operational involvement. This model allows for counting indirect and induced jobs, in addition to direct ones, making it easier to meet the job creation requirement.

At Visa Right Now, we structure EB-5 projects with clear governance and full compliance — whether in independent investor models or group structures with direct investment.

The EB-5 as a legacy tool

For families seeking to establish long-term residency in the U.S., the EB-5 goes beyond a visa. It is a platform for wealth and institutional consolidation — combining immigration, business, and education into a single integrated strategy.

Our approach connects investors to eligible projects with high approval potential, structured returns, and strict USCIS compliance. We do not broker volume. We structure residencies.

Want to find out if the EB-5 is the right path for your profile and goals? Get in touch at visarightnow.com